Albania ‘Not Ready for the Risks’ as AI Enters the Electoral Arena
Lack of up-to-date legislation and weak monitoring mechanisms mean AI-generated fakes and manipulated content are finding their way into Albanian political campaigning – and need to be tackled before 2027’s local elections. Original post Here
As Geopolitical Competition Intensifies, the EU’s Balkans Policy Must Adapt
With Russia interfering to exacerbate divisions and the United States rejecting liberal transformation for economic transactionalism, the European Union should develop a targeted and realistic approach to accession for Western Balkan countries. Original post Here
Kallas Presses Kosovo and Serbia to Advance Dialogue
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged Kosovo and Serbia to move forward with the normalization process after holding separate talks with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in New York. Meeting the two leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Kallas …
Gonxhja: No damage to Apollonia monuments as firefighting operation continues
Firefighters are bringing a blaze near the Apollonia Archaeological Park under control with support from aerial operations. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja visited the site to monitor the situation and firefighting efforts. Gonxhja said protecting Apollonia Archaeological Park remains a priority as an important cultural heritage site. He …
President Begaj decrees dismissal of State Intelligence Service Director Vlora Hyseni
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj has officially decreed the dismissal of Vlora Hyseni as Director of the State Intelligence Service. The decree cites Article 93 of the Constitution and Law No. 8391 “On the State Intelligence Service”. Prime Minister Edi Rama proposed the dismissal. The decision follows measures that …
Albania’s rule of law progress recognized in Brussels
Minister of State for Public Administration and Anticorruption Adea Pirdeni attended a meeting of the General Affairs Council in Brussels today. The meeting discussed Albania’s progress in the rule of law. In a video message, Pirdeni said the meeting recognized Albania’s progress in the rule of law. She highlighted the …
Thursday forecast: clear skies and strong winds, temperatures up to 28 degrees
The Military Meteorological Service said Thursday will bring stable atmospheric conditions across the country. The forecast calls for mostly clear skies across the entire territory. Winds will mainly blow from the northeast and northwest at an average speed of 7 m/s. In mountainous areas, valleys and along the coast, winds …
Tirana prepares for 7th edition of Colourday Festival Albania
Tirana is preparing to host the seventh edition of Colourday Festival Albania on Sept. 26. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the event. He said several well-known artists will perform at the festival. Meanwhile, the event will feature interactive spaces where visitors can join the celebrations. Organisers will …
Saudi Arabia marks National Day in Tirana, ambassador highlights new cooperation opportunities with Albania
Saudi Arabia marked its National Day in Tirana at a reception hosted by Ambassador Turki bin Ibrahim Al-Madi, with President Bajram Begaj as guest of honour. Members of the Assembly of Albania, government officials, diplomats, academics, artists, religious community leaders and media representatives attended. Al-Madi highlighted Saudi Arabia’s economic and …
German MEP: European Parliament wants Albania to join EU as soon as possible while meeting environmental and democratic standards
German MEP Terry Reintke said the European Parliament supports Albania’s progress towards European Union membership while stressing the importance of environmental, democratic and rule-of-law standards. She said the integration process should continue alongside respect for these standards. Reintke also called for a moratorium on development plans in protected areas and …
The U.S. Embassy has issued a statement regarding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s meeting on Wednesday with the new U.S. Ambassador, Eric Wendt. The Embassy shared images from the meeting, stating that a strong partnership is measured by what two nations achieve together. In its post, the Embassy said that Rama …
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was welcomed by Prime Minister Edi Rama with an official ceremony at midday on Wednesday, as part of her visit to Tirana. Von der Leyen arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office, where she was received by the head of the Albanian government. Her …
The U.S. Department of State has published its 2026 report on Albania’s investment climate, highlighting challenges related to corruption, organized crime, money laundering, property rights and competition. The 40-page report notes that despite the increase in foreign investment, investors continue to face a lack of transparency, informality, difficulties in contract …
Director General of the Albanian State Police, Skender Hita, attended the European Police Chiefs Convention (EPCC). Ahead of the conference, Director Hita was received in a separate meeting by Europol’s Acting Executive Director, Jürgen Ebner. Also present at the meeting was the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the …
The anti-government protests that rocked Albania this summer will not jeopardise its EU membership prospects – but will feed into a broader assessment of Tirana’s respect for democracy and that rule of law. Original post Here
Interior Minister Ervin Demo met with Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement, to discuss Albania’s progress toward EU membership. Their first meeting focused on the final milestones for Chapter 24, “Justice, Freedom and Security,” and Chapter 22, “Regional Policy and Coordination of …
Albania’s Customs Administration has published the “Customs Valuation Manual”, a practical guide designed to standardize procedures and ensure the consistent application of rules for determining the value of goods for customs purposes. The manual brings together the relevant legal framework and customs valuation methods. It also addresses issues that customs …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu, together with the Council of Europe, presented proposed amendments to Albania’s Criminal Procedure Code today. The initiative launches a public consultation on a broad reform of criminal procedures. The proposals focus on pre-trial detention, alternatives to imprisonment, stronger safeguards and the protection of individual rights. In …
On National Cultural Heritage Day, the Albanian Parliament expressed its appreciation for everyone who works to preserve and pass on the country’s cultural heritage from one generation to the next. In a social media post, Parliament highlighted the work of Vendim Kapaj, who holds the title “Grand Master” and has …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj met with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission assessing public investment efficiency (PIMA), led by Ian Hawkesworth. The meeting focused on the IMF’s findings and assessment of Albania’s public investment efficiency. The IMF plans to publish the full report soon. During the meeting, participants highlighted Albania’s …